Some families make homemade popsicles in little paper cups with foil and wooden sticks, a method that cuts down on popsicle trash somewhat, but it’s still not the most eco-friendly method.

The best way to make homemade popsicles is with a decent set of reusable popsicle molds. If you’re not sure what to look for in good popsicle mold, below is a quick primer.

Best popsicle mold features

I’ve used TONS of popsicle molds over the years – some better than others. Following are the key features I look for in a good popsicle mold set.

My favorite popsicle molds

Totally reusable

Little paper cups are reusable to a point, but not for long. Look for molds that are made of BPA-free plastic, stainless steel or silicone that can be used for years and years. I’ve owned my favorite Tolovo molds for more than 10 years and they’re in great shape.

Reusable handles

Some popsicle mold sets come with reusable molds, but no handles, meaning you’ll have to purchase new wooden sticks when you want to make pops. Look for molds that come with dedicated reusable handles.

Single serve molds

Some mold sets come clumped together, which is ok, but not even close to as good as single serve popsicle molds. Clumped molds mean you have to thaw all the pops at the same time. Single serve molds allow you to take one pop out of the freezer at a time and even allows you to make one pop at a time if you choose.

Non-toxic

Tiny molds for a baby or toddler are too small for older kids and adults

Sized right

If you have a baby or toddler, don’t buy huge popsicle molds. If you have older kids or a houseful of adults, don’t buy tiny molds. The wrong size mold will hinder your popsicle making process.

Alternative molds can be eco-friendly

If all you can find are plastic molds and you’re not sure that they’re chemical free, you have to weigh the pros and cons of reusable popsicle molds vs. store bought ice pops. In my opinion, even traditional plastic ice pop molds are more eco-friendly than store bought popsicle. Reusable molds in any form will cut down on waste and the energy used to manufacture store bought pops.

You can make your own popsicle molds using various items, such as shot glasses or BPA-free plastic or stainless steel cups. You can use reusable thrift store spoons for the handles.

Popsicle mold options

Check out the links below for the best reusable popsicle mold round-ups.